1-Methylcyclopropene Encapsulation in Solid Paraffin Wax
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compositions with cyclopropene compounds and molecular encapsulating agents face premature release when encountering the boundary between non-aqueous continuous phases, leading to inefficient treatment of plants or plant parts.
Innovation Solution
A non-aqueous pourable fluid containing alkylene carbonate with droplets of a solid continuous phase and solid particles, where the particles are less than 100 micrometers in size and consist of 1-methylcyclopropene and alpha-cyclodextrin, minimizing diffusion across phase boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cyclopropene compounds are dispersed in non-aqueous continuous phase, then the composition can be used for treating plants, but the particles easily diffuse to the boundary and cause premature release of cyclopropene
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the continuous phase from liquid to solid (using solid paraffin wax instead of liquid non-aqueous phase). This parameter change fundamentally prevents particle diffusion while maintaining the ability to apply the composition to plants, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability of containment.
2Productivity
If particles are dispersed in liquid non-aqueous phase, then the composition is easy to apply, but premature release of cyclopropene occurs at phase boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the continuous phase from liquid to solid state, which eliminates the diffusion mechanism that causes cyclopropene loss. This parameter change maintains treatment efficiency while preventing substance loss, as the solid matrix physically constrains particles without requiring them to reach phase boundaries for release.
3Reliability
If solid continuous phase is used to prevent diffusion, then cyclopropene containment is improved, but the composition may not be pourable or easy to apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the solid continuous phase (paraffin wax) can be temporarily melted to allow pouring and application, then solidifies upon cooling to provide containment. This dynamic phase transition resolves the contradiction between reliability of containment and ease of operation, as the material adapts its physical state to the operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition of paraffin wax between solid and liquid states. During application, the wax is heated to liquid state for easy pouring and spreading, then cools to solid state to prevent particle diffusion. This controlled phase transition enables both easy application and reliable containment, resolving the technical contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively maintains the cyclopropene compound within the particles, ensuring prolonged contact with plant parts and enhancing treatment efficacy, such as delaying ripening and improving crop yield.
Implementation Method 1
particles that contain cyclopropene compound and molecular encapsulating agent
Implementation Method 2
said solid particles (ii) comprise 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) and alpha-cyclodextrin
Implementation Method 3
the composition does not allow such easy diffusion of the particles to the boundary of the non-aqueous continuous phase
Data Source
AI summary
A composition comprising (a) a non-aqueous pourable fluid, (b) droplets dispersed in said pourable fluid (a), wherein said droplets comprise (i) a non-aqueous continuous phase that is a solid or that is a liquid of high viscosity and (ii) solid particles dispersed in said continuous phase (i), wherein said solid particles (ii) have median size as measured by the largest dimension of 100 micrometers or less, and wherein said solid particles (ii) comprise one or more cyclopropene compound and one or more molecular encapsulating agent. Also, a method of treating plants or plant parts involving bringing such a composition into contact with plants or plant parts.